Sycamore Gap sapling to be planted in University of Leicester Botanic Garden

The University of Leicester will receive one of 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings from the National Trust.

The saplings have been grown from seeds of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree that was felled in September last year. Each of the 49 saplings represents each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling.

The Sycamore Gap is situated along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. The tree that stood at Sycamore Gap had been part of the landscape for 150 years.

There were over 500 applications for the saplings from individuals, groups and organisations across the UK. The applications were judged by a panel of experts from the National Trust led by arboriculture specialist, Catherine Nuttgens.

Each new home for the saplings will be in publicly accessible spaces, enabling many more people to be part of the Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy.

The University of Leicester’s sapling will be planted in its Botanic Garden situated in Oadby, Leicestershire.

Professor Thompson Robinson, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Head of College of Life Sciences at the University of Leicester and Chair of the University of Leicester Botanic Garden Board said: “We are deeply moved at The University of Leicester to be entrusted with a sapling from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree. We are committed to planting and nurturing this young tree at our wonderful Botanic Garden as a poignant reminder for future generations of the vital connection between nature, heritage and our shared responsibility to protect the environment.”

Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties said: “Each and every application for a ‘Tree of Hope’ told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature. They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the UK, from towns, schools, colleges, community groups, hospitals and hospices, it’s been a privilege to read them all.

“The tree meant so much to so many and through the ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative we are helping reach people across the nation, for generations to come.

“Each sapling will carry a message of hope with it as they start a new chapter not just for the tree but for all the 49 people and communities that will receive a sapling next year.”

The Sycamore Gap saplings are currently being cared for by the National Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre. It is hoped that the saplings will be strong enough to be planted out in winter 2025/26.